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Tony Sparano unveils plans for Saturday scrimmage, Monday workout

The Dolphins will conduct a 110-play public scrimmage at 2 o’clock Saturday, then run off another 40 plays Monday night to wrap up their public workout at Sun Life Stadium, coach Tony Sparano said Thursday.

While it had been anticipated Saturday’s workout would be entail a scrimmage, Sparano hadn’t made any official announcement of his plans until now.

Last year an overflow crowd watched the offense take on the defense in the closest simulation to game conditions prior to the start of the preseason next week. A number of those fans had to be treated for heat-related conditions, so fans should be sure to hydrate and limit extended exposure to the sun if possible.

Next Monday at 7:15 p.m., in the first public workout at the stadium in four years, Sparano said the coaches will don headset and simulate game conditions for a workout that will finish with red-zone and third-down situations. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will work the game from the press box – last year’s coordinator, Paul Pasqualoni, was always on the sidelines – while linebackers coach Bill Sheridan will be on the field. That part of the workout will comprise about 40 plays, he said.

Other news and notes from Sparano’s 20-minute briefing:

— Cornerback Evan Oglesby was re-signed in the wake of A.J. Wallace’s departure from the team. “We’re down a few corners, and if you can have corners you want them,” Sparano said.

— Sparano said he’s hopeful that as much as he appreciated Jason Ferguson at nose tackle, Randy Starks could prove to be an upgrade this year in that he could produce some pass-rush pressure even on first and second downs.

— Said he’s been ‘pleasantly surprised’ with the transition Ikaika Alana-Francis has made from defensive end to linebacker so far. “There’s a bunch of steps left, no question. But he lost the weight we asked, he looks like a linebacker out there, he’s a handful in the rush, can set the defense, he’s a strong guy, very very smart. I like what he’s done. To get him in games and see him play in these situations is very important.”

— Said rookie cornerback Nolan Carroll has also been impressive and that he’s anxious to see him in game situations, both at corner and on special teams, whether it’s as a kick returner or elsewhere.

In the lone workout of the day:

— Brandon Marshall, Will Allen and Patrick Cobbs were all given the day off. Sparano had said he would begin resting players rehabbing from injuries and that appears to be what happened. All three spent time riding the stationery bike.